Thursday, May 28, 2015
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
PETER'S PENTECOST SERMON: "CUT TO THE HEART"
At this point in Peter's sermon we see the natural question that plagues all people. "What shall I do?" Through Peter's preaching and the work of the Holy Spirit, the people were led to ask this in connection with the work of Christ. This is the point where we seek to lead all people; to examine their lives in the light of Christ's work.
But not all people are at this point. Even without any knowledge of Jesus, people still seek an answer to this question and others like it. What is life about? Is there anything or anyone out there? Who has control? These questions all come back to the same one the crowd asked Peter, "What shall we do?" By nature, we desire to "do" something in order to figure out life's uncertainties.
Is there a God? By nature, I feel the need to "do" something to earn God's presence.
What is my purpose? By nature, I feel the need to "do" something to find fulfillment.
Where am I going? By nature, I feel the need to "do" something in order to get to where I want to be.
Even though the crowd didn't realize it at this point, Peter already answered their question. You don’t have to "do" anything. Jesus has already done it for you. So too, the world often misses the clear answers to these questions as found in Jesus. But part of the Holy Spirit's work is gently leading people to recognize the importance of the Gospel, even though it may take some time. As long as we keep using God's Word regularly and communicating the message of the Law and the message of the Gospel, people will receive the true answer.
